Armored Core: Dawn on the Horizon

by Textor Historia

Conflict is eternal, force is power, and currency speaks to all. The world has been ravished, rebuilt, and so on and so forth. The cycle has remained so for longer then any phase of human history. Where at one point the world had healed, it was broken again. Now we watch to see who will answer a world, with no Dawn on the Horizon.

1. Chapter 1

Armored Core Dawn on the Horizon.

By Textor Historia

Authors Legal Statement: I do not own the right of the Armored Core franchise. The Armored Core franchise belongs to From Software. I in no way am monetizing this work of fiction, nor will I attempt to do so. Please support the official releases in any manner, thank you.

Warning: This story contains mature themes not suitable for kids, screeching moralist, or those who can't handle harsh language. This Story contains the acts and themes of war, politics, graphic death, racial language & prejudice, mass death of various causes, rape, murder, sexual content, discrimination based on arbitrary characteristics, and adult language. If you cannot handle these, do not read the parts, or the story at all.

I WILL ALSO BE USING METRIC, SO MY FELLOW IMPERIAL USERS CAN BE WARRY OF NEEDING TO USE A CALCULATOR FOR SPEED, WEIGHT, AND MEASSUREMENT.

"Hello."- Speech

"Hello"- Thoughts

[Date/Time/Location/ECT]

*SOUND*

(Authors Note in story)

---

Chapter 1: Answer.

War is a natural constant, to which humans are rivaled by none. The act of taking another's life is one that is always on the table. Either it be back when humanity drew in the damp caves of modern France, when the earliest governments came to power, or now when the world is a battlefield. War has never not been in play, even in the most "peaceful times" of human history. Somewhere on the blue planet called Earth, blood was being spilt in an organized manner for some reason or another. For some, its for an idea, others retaliation, but for the vast examples through time, it is for resources.

Recourses, either they be of the inanimate or breathing sort, it matters little. If a nation needed women, it could trade for them. If they could not trade for them, and were desperate, a weapon became the form of trade. When a nation needs something so badly in an abundant enemy nation; war. When a group of people want to settle down in new land, but they have fierce competition; war. When your nation needs to secure fuel for energy via any means necessary, war is always an option.

So much of history is a series of brutal affairs for the survival of individuals, and their communities. Threw common language, culture, litanies of social norms, and traditions to the past; nations-states of all forms were born. Each one with a history of its known, some stretching back millennia's, others lasting only a few years. Threw the common strife's that time inevitably disposes upon every nation; famine, invasion, pandemics, social upheaval, and etcetera. Reality tested them, and those that could survived, did. Those that couldn't vanished into time, either to be forgotten, or more fortunately, venerated.

As history continued, the act of retaining a nations own history became a central priority. Without it, traditions, historical events, weather patterns, astronomical calendars, and even diseases would be forgotten in a few generations. So, architecture and paintings became one if not the first manners in which a cultures memory was contained. As language grew more complex, the advent of records on clay tablets revolutionized the sheer quantity of records. With the merger of architecture, paintings, sculptures, and writing as one, a culture could look back tens of generations. It retained the lessons of the past and allowed for there applications into the future. This of course being at the mercy of geography for much of human history.

This is how so much of what humanity deems as progress was produced. Threw looking at history, its events, and the outcomes. This is what happened when man learned from history, an emphasize on "when". Humans, while poses the most powerful divider and tool that separates them from animals; reason & logic, don't use it in a consistent manner. Reality leaving its mark upon humanity with many fears, and natural instincts. This is to not belittle the use of emotions, or instincts, in many cases they can serve as the more proper tool. However, an over reliance on instincts dulls one to the ability of a deeper analyses. The over indulgence of emotions alone degrades one into a state of adolescent foolishness. Void of the capability to analyze one's own beliefs & values and robbing themselves of greater development. When one hinges on emotions as a way of justification, even when processing a splendid mind, the average person will usually be able to put forward a better argument.

From this lack of looking at history, and looking at it as rational as possible, while still understanding as a fellow human, the desire for the ever ill defined "progress" is made. Leaving aside progress in the technological manner of input v output, it is rather the idea of moral and cultural progress. Moral and social progress being as solidly defined as warm water. The reason "progress" is so ill defined, is because of the vast manner of different values that different people have. Besides the few common values such as meaningless killing. What few "primary laws" that all cultures share to an extent, are vastly outweighed by secondary laws that differ dramatically.

When one ignores that humans are not Tabula Rosa, the idea of Utopia is ever so appealing.

"We will crush the oppressive capitalist, and we will finally be free!". Was something that went threw the minds of many people in the world for centuries. This idea of ""From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs", was the result of 19th century philosopher Karl Marx's concept of primitive communism. That humans were communal in a natural sense, and to the degree of anarchic living. Every form of governance from the smallest tribe, to the largest empires, and humans innate competitive nature itself have disproven Marx. Yet the idea persists like an ever-evolving parasite, fueled by the emotional calls for progress.

As the mid-22nd century, such calls for progress rang evermore loudly. The world was drawing ever more closely to the prospect of a post-scarcity economy. Energy needs were being met more efficiently, food supplies for many nations had become a thing of the past, and medical research was allowing for cheaper medicine. From what many thought at the time, humanity was on track to a golden age. That was, until the many governments of the word began to collude with multiple corporations. Recourses became massively disorganized, and many areas of Earth reverted by no less than 5 centuries. In no less than ten years. As the social upheaval reached its apex, those same corporations declared war on all nations. The National Dismantlement War was swift, and harsh as nations began to be wiped off the planet. Where once flags of nations stood, the logos of corporations took place.

For many, this was the sign of another new age, one where a Utopia would be built with the efficiency of a business. Now, no longer would the companies that had produced so much would no longer need to be restrained. An unfettered market with no restraints to which the companies would be beholden to. A chance to build up a world on human merit alone, would build the Utopia they sought.

If only such hopes could be manifested into reality.

[4670 AD, May 5th, 0300 hours, Earth, Far North East of North America]

"Alpha-One this is Mountain Eye come, over." A voice spoke clearly threw a communication system.

"Mountain Eye this is Alpha-One, new orders from the suits, over?" A voice spoke in response to the previous speaker.

"Roger that Alpha-One, suits want this one done ASAP. You'll be in deep country out there, so feel to use any tactics you wish. Get all that, over." Mountain Eye said.

"Copy that loud and clear Mountain Eye. What kind of job are we looking at here?" Alpha-one spoke with some modicum of curiosity.

"The location is a surprisingly old mining town in the South West. Place has been open for nearly 100 years and is pretty well populated. We're talking roughly 57,300 people, with a substantial infrastructure already in use. They even have a couple 10 story buildings in use, although most of them seem to be for office work. They'll make excellent cover in they have any heavy equipment. The land itself is near the lower portion of the canyons, so you'll have the option of an airborne deployment. There are also some steep, but wide road that vehicles are deployable as an option. Some deployment options will be sent your way for you to look over. Copy that Alpha-one, over?" Mountain eye spoke.

"Yeah, I got that clear. Damn I've actually heard of this place before. Supposed to be peaceful from what I've herd. How much is AF offering for this one? Over." Alpha-One asked.

"Big, Alpha-One, were talking 500 million credits for this one, over." Mountain Eye spoke with an emphasis on the reward.

"500 MILLION! Mountain Eye pull our strings and get all teams heading out right now. It's going to take us a week at least to get there, let alone to mobilize the attack. Have the ground units go ahead of us. Anything else I should know? Over." Alpha-One asked.

"…...Yeah, AF wants the site scrubbed, with little to no damage to the mining facilities. Recommend you prepare to burn the site. Over" Mountain Eye said with hesitation.

"Geez, those suits sure are cold. Damn, some of the guys had eyes on this place. Ah well, with the reward the geezers can save up for somewhere better. Tell them we accept the mission and prepare our air traffic links. Copy that Mountain Eye?" Alpha-One asked.

"Roger that Alpha-One." Mountain eye responded as the communications channel was closed down.

[4670 AD, May 5th, 1300 hours, Earth, South West of North America]

*BANG!* Rang the sound as a .308 shell discharged from the chamber of a rifle. The metallic ping of a shell casing came as it hit the dry, rocky surface the rifle was posed on. A young man with dark blonde hair suddenly shot up with rifle in hand. He was quick to run towards his prey's body to collect its contents. A smile graced his face as he got a better look at his prey.

"Its gotta be a near 90kg (200lb) at least! Gramps and I will be set for a good while." He thought as he looked at the deer in front of him. Hazel eyes looking for any signs of abnormality that may be cause for concern. He spotted the bullet entry located where the deers once fully intact heart was. The young man quickly took off his tools as he unfolded a metallic looking sheet. It was easily 2.4 x 2.4 meters in measurement, and he quickly dragged the carcass onto it. A trail of blood being made from the transfer from the rocky surface, to the metallic surface. As soon as the deer was on the sheet, the young man began to fold the sheet over the creature. He did this until it was as close as it could be to conforming to the deer's body. He then pressed a button on a device located on his left wrist. A small green light now active, where it was once not. He then tied u the body wrapping as a loud humming began to be herd by him. Turning around, a vehicle resembling a motorcycle approached him. The difference however being the massive fans bellow the bike, that kept it a good half meter off the ground. The vehicle descended before finally gently landing with its stand now deployed. The young hunter tossed the wrapped body on the large back end of the vehicle. Securing it with rope and built in clamps.

He then climbed onto the device, pulled down a pair of goggles onto his eyes, and reeved on the controls. Near instantly the device rose up 2 meters off the ground. It then shot off at least at the speed of around 138kph. For the next half an hour the hunter rode, until he finally arrived at a large canyon side. A good 40 kilometers bellow him was his home town, Crescent Bay.

Crescent Bay was a well sized town with plenty of work for people. It could be hard at some angles to look at, but when you see it at dawn or sunset, it was perfect. The smooth bottom river bay reflected the sunlight clearly, and the multicolored rock formations matched the sky perfectly. The small valley held beautiful layered farms which grew their local breads wheat., fresh fruit, and crisp vegetables. Bellow the layered farms, shorter moisture towers sucked water from the atmosphere for additional water reserves. A few boats were out on the river catching whatever fish were out at the time.

A smile graced his tanned face as he began to head down a steep road. The rod was naturally a dirt road that spanned to the bottom of the canyon. It had been carved out over decades of work, and only had a simple road bumpers on the side. Because of it being carved out, it was mostly natural in composition and didn't require much work. The young hunter, being familiar with the road, used his vehicle to gently hop from level to level. Instead of a half hour drive, it was a simple 15-minute hop down. The forest bellow became larger to him as he soon found himself at the base of the canyon.

"Damn, better hurry so I can start working on the body." He thought looking at the watch on his arm. He increased his speed as he began to head west of the city, while following the river. A few minutes passed before he saw his home. It was a well sized home; which composition was of wood & stone. He soon parked his vehicle by the homes large metal garage and entered it. He passed a vehicle his grandfather was repairing for a client and headed to a room that was walled.

Inside the room was a reinforced stand at the height of 5 meters with a gambrel. Bringing the gambrel down a few meters, the young man returned to tending to his prize. Beginning the familiar process of harvesting was nothing short of the equivalent of tying shoelaces for the young hunter. Putting on an old apron, and retrieving a medium sized knife, he went to begin his work.

"Nonus!" An assertive voice rang out from across the garage. The hunter dropped his tools as he opened the door.

"Yeah Gramps?" Nonus asked as he came out of the room. A few feet away from him, an elderly man turned to look at him. The man looked to be in his early to mid-50s. He had light blue eyes, tan leathery skin from years of work, a widow's peak with greying brown hair, a 5-o'clock shadow, and a strong build despite his age. His eyes had some wrinkles under it after years of work, and pulling all-nighters. He stood a good 180cm (5'9ft) meters with a bright orange mechanics jumpsuit on, and a set of protective welding goggles on his forehead. The older man looked at Nonus and noticed his current attire.

"Ya go hunting or something?" The older man asked with a raised eyebrow. Nonus shook his head as he pointed to the open door.

"Yes sir, it's a dear, I'd say it weights a good 90-some kilograms." Nonus said with a hint of pride in his tone. Gramps looked and whistled slightly at the sight of the creature. He looked back at his grandson with an eyebrow still raised.

"You didn't use the 8mm, right?" Gramps asked in an annoyed tone.

"No sir, I used the .308 like you taught me." Nonus said, knowing full well his grandfather would kill him if he used the 8mm rifle. Gramps smiled as he entered the buttering room. He examined the deer, walking around it as he eyed its overall body. A few grunts and hushed words escaping him. He looked back at his grandson and gave him a large cheesier grin.

"Well come on boy! We better get it all preserved before the maggots get to it. Since you went out and killed it, we can have whatever part you want for dinner tonight." Gramps said as he grabbed another apron. Nonus smiled as he went joined his grandfather. Moments like this always made his days better.

After harvesting every usable component of the deer, the two properly stored the meat in the large freezer, with a large chunk left out for dinner. The two washed themselves and their tools of blood and put the aprons into a small washer.

"Nonus, I need you to head into town and get me some parts for that repair job for Connors. Do that for me, and well get started on dinner when you get home, got it?" Gramps asked.

"Sure thing, where's the list?" Nonus asked as his grandfather handed him a shopping list.

"Money is in the central compartment. Make sure you get the larger transistors for heavy use, I tried the recommended model, but they looked too week. If we don't get that transport working, Connors will have my ass. So, hurry up. Damn miners, you'd think they'd take better care of that equipment of theirs." Gramps said, mumbling the last part. Nonus just nodded as he grabbed the truck keys and headed out. The vehicle was a large cargo truck, built for transporting heavy machinery for either repairs, or scrap pickup. It was a dull silver, with no rust on it. Nonus hopped in, turned the key in the ignition, and drove off towards town.

The truck was a good 60 some years old. One of the few trucks at that time being produced after the "event". Hell, it took them a century to even start making vehicles again after the "event". Although, if it hadn't happened, Crescent Bay wouldn't have been built. It would probably still be an empty canyon with a river at the bottom. Nonus thoughts drifted as he drove, while still paying attention on the dirt road he drove on.

Not much was known about the war, its full name was the "Horizon Event", and it had apparently done a lot of damage. Although no ones sure since it took out all digital information across the planet. Hell, no one alive probably has a picture over a century old, unless it was from the photographs. Of course, you needed a license for one of those, and they had to be processed. That was if you could even pay for the damn things being processed.

"What could have caused such an event. I mean, for something to create Crescent Bay, it must have been some accident." Nonus thought. Crescent bay when found, was a good couple kilometers wide, of course that's if you looked at some of the records that exist. Since then, it's been a miner's town, and a prosperous one at that. A steady amount of copper coming out of the mine every day. Nonus's grandfather was one of the few men who did not work in the mind, and he was better off by a good bit. Being one of the few mechanics in town had its benefits. Of course, they had to compete with the other two repair shops, but it made for a healthy rivalry.

After a good 45-minute drive, Nonus finally made it into town. Finding some place memorable enough to park at, Nonus tuned off the truck, and opened the center console. A few credit chips laid at the bottom. Nonus checked both his windows and made sure his hand that grabbed the credits wasn't visible. He didn't want to have to get in trouble with some low-life mugger after all. Putting the money safety into his right pocket, he opened the door and hopped out of truck. He quickly locked it and stretched a bit to get the blood running threw him properly. Before you got onto actual blacktops, some of the dirt roads felt like driving over a mountain side.

"Well if it isn't shorty." Nonus herd to his annoyance. Having a grandfather that was 1.8 (5'9ft) meters tall, you would think you end up being 165cm (5'4ft) tall. Sighing, Nonus turned around knowing who it was going to be.

"Hello Clyde." Nonus spoke, keeping the annoyance out of it, as much as possible. In front of him was a young man around his age. He stood around 182cm (6ft), was a pale looking man, with short cut brown hair. He wore an everyday grey business suit, a red tie, with black leather shoes. He had a shit eating grin on his face as he approached Nonus. His pearl white teeth glistening like a shark about to bite its prey. A hard smack on the back came to Nonus, as he looked at Clyde with an eyebrow raised.

"Your usually not outside anymore Clyde," Nonus said with clear snark. "I mean just look how pale you are! Mr. Jackson been working you overtime?"

"Well, at least I've got a well-paying job. How are those classes going, I her the past year or so has been rough on you?" Clyde said slyly. His grin trying to reflect the afternoon sun light as he leaned at Nonus. This was true for Nonus. He had been taking courses since he turned 19, but he had become quite bored of them after nearly 3 years. First it was medicine, now however he had become more attuned to personal studies. At the expense of his own official grades. He could still feel his grandfather making his ears bleed at hearing the condition of his grades.

"This arrogant bloat really is a stereotype. Always did talk about wanting to get an apartment in Central District." Nonus thought calmly as he reeled in his composure. If he had learned one important lesson in dealing with Clyde, reading a person's composure was his specialty.

"Then I am happy I am still purview to the advantages of youth. Tell me Clyde, what brings you here to the marketplace. I thought Central District held its own market?" Nonus asked with some curiosity. Clyde's grin faded somewhat but, retained a sense of smug playfulness. He sighed as he stood up straight and fiddled with his tie as to keep it unwrinkled.

"Central District is better then the commons marketplace, but sadly they don't have certain particular…. essentials." Clyde said as he smirked, both walking down the marketplace. Nonus interest deepened to now worth venturing further. Much to his amusement was who it was centered around. The two passed rows of stands full of varying goods. The stands ranging from the layered farms sweet corn, to firearms. One item in particular caught Nonus eye as he walked towards a stand. Before him laid a cornucopia of items of different sorts, but each was of considerable age. However, what caught his attention was the large artillery shell on display. The material had long lost its shine, but its structure was shockingly pristine.

"It's a 75mm shell casing, and an old one at that." A familiar voice spoke up. Nonus turned to see another familiar acquaintance, but one that was a welcome site. A young woman of his age, with bright platinum- blonde hair in a ponytail, brown eyes, and a slim frame standing at 175cm (5'7ft). The young woman wore a pair of work boots, a grey jump suit with a white sleeveless shirt underneath and was covered in engine oil. She had a hand on her hip, and a wrench in the other.

"Been a while Casandra, been tinkering at that chop shop of yours?" Nonus said emphasizing "chop shop". Casandra smiled kindly as she shifted her body. The wretch now gently, but audibly being lifted in and out of her left palm.

"Well my chop shop isn't so far out of town, I need to spend 45 minutes getting here." Casandra said. Nonus was about to respond, when Clyde interjected by placing a hand on his shoulder and whispering, "She has a wrench, you know how well she can throw that thing."

Nonus sighed as he begrudgingly agreed with Clyde's input. No man from high school could ever forget what Casandra did to Rob. He still suffered from severe night terrors to this day. A sly smile of satisfaction was projected from Casandra's face as she saw her business rival/ex-classmate temper himself.

"I've never seen this type of casing before however. What's even weirder is the company that made it." Casandra said as she walked towards them, hunched down, and tipped the casing down gently. Careful to consider the casings rather strange condition. Nonus looked down as he read the lettering.

"GA America." Nonus though with surprise as he looked back at Casandra. His mind raced for any previous reference to such a name. However, no memory could be recalled in any fashion.

"There are only nine global corporations in the world, but none of them have a subsidiary branch by any such name." Nonus Said. Casandra nodding at the solid deduction, while Clyde was staring off to whatever had caught his attention across the market street.

"Yep, that means its pre-Horizon material. Exciting isn't it, too bad its not for sale." A voice spoke. Nonus, Casandra, and for a moment even Clyde, turned their heads. A rather annoyed store owner looking at Casandra and Nonus. With subtly speed, embarrassment washed over both the young adults. The quickly apologized and left to avoid any issue. Much to the stand owners distain. Time was money, and money is always sought after.

The three walked for a time as Nonus picked up the items on his list. Why Clyde was tailing along with them however was anybody's guess. The two mechanics talked for a while on many topics. Recent news, current jobs, but the central topic was on the 75mm shell casing. Both were aware of the big company names, and no GA America has ever mentioned in their mechanic teachings. Of course, if the companies, especially the one they lived in, wanted its history to be common knowledge. As they talked, Clyde's attention was soon narrowed in on his original goal.

"What is this guy up to now?" Nonus thought as he, and now Casandra watched Clyde depart without a gesture of farewell. The sound of soft laughing, almost scheming in tone could be hers as they watched the tall man walk towards a group of women. Each of them in noticeably…...provocative attire. Especially when compared to Casandra's own attire.

"Ladies! Did you miss me?!" Clyde bellowed out joyfully as he wrapped his arms around two women and their waists.

"Oh baby, I was wondering when you'd visit us next! Thought you'd gotten tired of us!" One of the women spoke in a playful tone. Running her finger down his chest.

"Well as long as you do as I say when were together, ill always be back!" Clyde laughed out. Across the street, Casandra had a look of disgust upon her face at the sight before her. Clyde was known as a womanizer in high school, but she didn't expect him to be involved with working girls. She looked at Nonus and saw a massive grin. The held back laughs being obvious to anyone. As Clyde walked away with the women, Nonus broke out into fit of laughter. So much so that it made him have to kneel to regain balance.

"HAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAA, I FUCKING KNEW THIS WOULD HAPPEN! BASTARD WAS TOO EASY TO READ! HAHAH, oh god I hope he gets the clap!" Nonus laughed out as he tried to compose himself. A full minute passed before he regained his default composure. A few laughs still escaping his now red face.

"You do realize he could get something worse, right?" Casandra asked. Nonus turned his head to look at her, a mix of a deadpan expression and curiosity on his face.

"Yes, but its Clyde, so what's the loss?" Nonus asked, causing Casandra's jaw to hung open.

"Jeez, alright then. Guess I know not to warn you about danger when its in your face." Casandra said snakingly.

"Well I make it a rule in the first place to not get involved with THOTs. Hell, Clyde is probably better off with working girls then taking chances in a red-light bar." Nonus said as he enjoyed Casandra's shocked gasp. To him she looked amusingly offended.

"Nonus Severus! In all my years I have-, "You sound like your mother." Nonus interrupted.

"Done! See you some other time ya' jackass!" Casandra yelled with a red face. Her arms crossed she walked away. Nonus amused smile quickly faded as he began to walk back to the Truck. The Sun set was off in the distance, and parts of Crescent Bay already had artificial lights on. His drive back was a calm one as he reflected upon the day's events.

"Good in totem, but I wish I could have examined that shell casing further." Nonus thought as he approached the area to where his house was. What confused him was the light coming from the area, which was usually subtle. His eyes widen however as he saw smoke bellowing out of the area. Immediately flooring on the gas, the truck accelerated as Nonus stomach turned in anxiety. As he made the final turn and could see past the forest tree line, his eyes went wide at the sight before him.

The house he had grown up in and lived in for all 22 years of his life was ablaze. Its roof having already collapsed in on itself. The windows shattered with flames and smoke coming out of them. Even worse was the sight of his grandfather's body, laying at the bottom of the front steps.

Slamming heavily on the Breaks, Nonus shoved it into parking, and burst out as he swung the door open. His heart racing like a jet engine, as he ran towards his grandfather. His legs running so fast, and with such force, one would think he was trying to punish the ground. His eyes focused solely on the man who had raised him. To his great relief, he saw his grandfather lift his head up, and with one good eye look at him.

"GRANDPA!" Nonus yelled.

"NO! GET THE GUN NONUS, THEY'LL KILL YOU TOO!" His Grandfather screamed at the top of his lungs. Finding enough strength to wave a bloody arm. Its motions that of "get away". Nonus eyes widen, as he halted in his tracks. Who was after him, who was after his grandfather, and for what purpose? These were all questions that ran threw the young man's head. His eyes scanned the area frantically as he looked for anything that stood out. Then, he saw them.

Two figures of similar stature were running towards the house. Each wearing slim, yet clearly combat grade armor. Black helmets with one-way visors, armor consisting of knee & elbow pads, with a torso encompassing bulletproof vest. Both soldiers having sizable back packs on them. Nonus quickly ran back as he caught a glimpse of them raising their rifles.

*BANG-BANG-BANG-BANG-BANG! * Rang out the sound of the rifles as they fired their munitions. Nonus lowered his head and wrapped his arms behind his it to protect himself. The sound of the bullets hitting the truck came, as the young man, full of fear, whipped the door open. He dove in with full force as he heard the rustling of grass. His hands reached under the mid-seat as he grabbed two items. The men near the door, Nonus aimed the first one.

One of the soldiers ran and aimed his rifle. His body shifted as he turned slightly. Ready to dispense his clip on his target.

*BANG! * Rang out a loud sound as a bullet punched through the man's visor with ease. A cascade of blood and brain matter shot out of the bottom and open visor hole. The mans body fell as it got caught on the trucks foot step. The other man halted as he aimed his rifle. He was only a few meters away, but he had seen the body hit the trucks footstep. A stream of blood decorating the helmet and truck. His eyes scanned the area as he began to open fire on the vehicle. He sprayed it with his remaining clip and ejected it. Replacing it with a fresh new clip. A form shot out of the open-door side, as he saw the figure hit the ground.

*BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! * A barrage of large caliber pistol bullets rang as a sickening crack came.

"AAAAAHHHH!" The soldier screamed in agony as his left knee was shattered and torn asunder. He fell to the ground as he sprayed a volley of his remaining bullets. His target ran, lifting its arm with an item in hand. He panicked as the figure looked ready to throw it. With haste, he tossed his now empty rifle aside and reached for his side arm.

*SHCRUNK! * "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!" The man screamed as he looked at his arm. His right hand split in half, a tomahawk splitting it halfway. Blood and chunks of cartilage and metacarpals on the surface of the broken skin.

"YOU SON OF A BITCH!" Nonus yelled as he jumped on top of the man. A face of raw primal anger present. A look of absolute bloodlust in his eyes. He yanked back his tomahawk as the soldier screamed in pain. Nonus whacked the dropped fire arm back a few good meters, as he put his full weight on the man.

"Who are you?! Why did you do this!" Nonus yelled as he shoved his .475 Widely at the man's armor covered chest.

"FUCK YOU KID!" The soldier yelled out in a state of pain and animalistic rage. Nonus brought down the tomahawk on the soldier's helmet visor. It cracked on and was pried open with another hit. Nonus being careful not to kill the man. He needed to know why they did this, then he could let the soldier die.

"You fucking manlet, I hope your whole town burns!" The soldier yelled, refusing to speak. Nonus looked at the man with a face of cold rage. His eyes glanced at the split hand and returned to the exposed green eyes of the man under him. Pressing a small button, and a soft click of a switch, the soldiers widened in fear. The curved bladed side of the tomahawk began to glow a bright yellow.

"T-Thermal weaponry!" The soldier though fearfully as he looked at the young man.

"That hand of yours is beyond any hope of reconstruction, might even be infected now. We better make sure you don't get gangrene." Nonus said as he raised the tomahawk, his face, even his eyes showed no emotion. It was a look of absolute cold indifference.

"Hey wait a minute i-*SHCRUCK* AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!" The soldier screamed as his arm, up to the elbow was cut clean threw. Nonus then put his left leg on the man's remaining upper arm. The smell of burnt skin came as Nonus cauterized the opening with the tomahawks heated curved end. He waited half a minute as the man wormed and screamed in agony, before finally taking in off.

"Who are you, and who sent you. Tell me now, and I won't make you die from bleeding out." Nonus said, restraining every emotion to project forth an image of utter cold indifference. The soldier looked at him in fear, and the heated tomahawk as it was set a few centimeters above his shoulder blade. Ready to be lifted and brought down on the remaining part of the arm.

"R-Recon team, part of the Plain Marauders. We were sent out to target this man, and evaluate the town for a full scale attack in 9 days. I don't know why you were targeted, we only were assigned to kill the older man. Now, please, let me go." The soldier said in a pleading tone at the end. Nonus looked at him wit the same look as he sat up and pointed his gun at the man.

"I THOUGHT YOU SAID YOU WOULDN'T KILL ME?!" The man screamed in confusion.

"I said I wouldn't let you bleed out, now drowning on your own blood however-*BANG!*-that's different." Nonus said as he shot a bullet through the man's neck. The sound of choking on broken hyoid bone, chunks of flesh, and blood was herd for a few minutes. Nonus said nothing as he ran towards his grandfathers' body. Leaving the soldier to reflect with the last few minutes of his life.